Ground Safety Alliance Will Leverage Ground Handling Data to Raise the Safety Bar

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The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) announced the formation of the Ground Safety Alliance (GSA) at this week’s virtual Ground Handling Safety Symposium (GHSS). The Ground Safety Alliance is a collaborative industry-led organization dedicated to leveraging data to help advance business aviation and general aviation ground handling safety.
 
“This year’s Ground Handling Safety Symposium, with nearly ninety locations and hundreds of the most dedicated safety professionals in the industry in attendance, was the perfect venue to announce the formation of the Ground Safety Alliance (GSA). Data is critical for aviation business success and has been used to improve safety in aircraft operations for years. The GSA will provide the foundation for ground handling operators and other industry stakeholders to collaborate on the collection, analysis, and distribution of safety data and intelligence,” stated Michael France, NATA Managing Director, Safety and Training. “We are pleased to see the aviation business community unite for such a critical purpose.”

The GSA is led by a governing board of industry leaders, including: 

  • Todd Smith, Atlantic Aviation 
  • Bob Schick, TAC Air 
  • Jennifer Bartenstein, Signature Flight Support 
  • Kate Fraser, NetJets 
  • Robert Cavetti, Sheltair Aviation Services
  • Angela Thurmond, American Aero FTW
  • Kevin Donnelly, Jet Aviation 
  • Sean White, First Wing Jet Center 
  • Jessica Rowden, Cutter Aviation 

The GSA board is already working to overcome the challenges of implementing a comprehensive safety data collection program that protects confidentiality while providing powerful operational insights.
 
In the coming weeks, the GSA will announce opportunities for FBOs, aircraft operators, safety consultants, and others to join the alliance in driving safety improvements through data.
 
For inquires on the GSA or opportunities for participation, please contact Michael France, Managing Director, Safety & Training at mfrance@nata.aero.